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Photo: Airbus will take over majority control of Bombardier’s C Series programme on July 1. (Photo Airbus)

Airbus has firmed up a deal to acquire majority control of Bombardier’s C Series programme on July 1. The move, which the European manufacturer said has arrived earlier than anticipated, follows the two companies receiving all necessary regulatory approvals and the successful completion of final negotiations of the transaction.

Airbus will become the majority shareholder in the C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP) with a 50.01% stake, Bombardier will control 31% and Investissement Quebec (IQ) will retain its 19% stake. The CSALP was formed in June 2016 by the Canadian manufacturer and the Government of Québec through its investment arm IQ, following a $1bn injection of state funds into the financially struggling C Series programme.

Tom Enders, Airbus chief executive officer, enthused: “This partnership extends our commitment to Québec and to all of Canadian aerospace, and we are very glad to welcome so many C Series team mates into the extended Team Airbus. The strength of the entire Airbus organisation will be behind the C Series. Not only will that enable this outstanding aircraft to fulfil its market potential, but we are convinced the addition of the C Series to our overall aircraft product offering brings significant value to Airbus, our customers and shareholders.”

The new partnership will be headed up by Philippe Balducchi, the former head of performance management at Airbus commercial aircraft, who will lead a management team of 12, six each from both companies, from a head office in Mirabel, Québec.

With the finalisation of the contract all parties are now expecting an increasing demand for the C Series – Bombardier handed over 17 aircraft in 2017 and plans to double that number this year – that could result in the opening of a second final assembly line in Mobile, Alabama, dedicated to supplying US-based customers. The Canadian firm is forecasting a requirement for 6,000 new aircraft in the 100-150 seat market over the next 20 years and it believes the C Series is now well positioned to capture a significant percentage of this market.

Alain Bellemare, Bombardier president and CEO, commented: “This marks the beginning of a very exciting new chapter for the C Series and the Canadian aerospace industry. The C Series is widely recognised as the most advanced and efficient aircraft in its class and this partnership with Airbus will ensure its commercial success.”

Current Issue

February 2019In the February edition of Airliner World we travel to Larnaca in Cyprus to join the final commercial flight for the British Airways Boeing 767 fleet. The widebody has been a workhorse of the British flag carrier for decades, with a fascinating history spanning far-flung royal charters to more modest domestic operations. As we close one chapter of modern aviation, another begins as we visit Airbus headquarters in Toulouse to find out more about their A330neo project. We speak to key players involved in the project and determine what the future holds for the crowded - but highly lucrative - mid-market sector.
Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Gulf Air CEO Krešimir Ku&#269;ko, as the Bahraini national airline transforms not only its fleet but its wider strategy as it adopts a new boutique concept. Continuing our globetrotting this month, we profile Osaka’s Itami Airport, which is carving a niche as the city’s premier domestic gateway and visit Canada’s Northwest Territories to learn more about the classic ‘piston-pounders’ of Buffalo Airways. As part of our ongoing historical insights, we remember the Lockheed Electra L-188, an elegant, four-engine turboprop which raised the bar for performance, range and luxury until critical design flaws destroyed public confidence and forced the programme to a premature close.
Finally, we bring you our comprehensive coverage of worldwide news, including a full report from the Bahrain International Airshow, plus Cathay Pacific roster their A350-1000 to Manchester, ANA receive their first superjumbo, a first look at WestJet’s new Dreamliner, and Air Astana unveil their Embraer E2 in a striking snow leopard livery. We also have our regular sections covering the latest commercial aircraft acquisitions, up-to-date accident reports and developments from the world of aviation training and MROs and we give you the chance to win aviation DVDs worth over £200 in our reader competition.